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NAFTA has created the potential for increased trade in agricultural products between Canada, the US and Mexico. However, due to lack of resources, small and medium-size producers have virtually no access to these newly emerging markets. The goal of the farmers on the Eco-Social Frontiers Project is to establish sustainable direct marketing and trade ties between their organizations so that small and medium-sized farmers will have more direct access to consumers. The project is based on a model of sustainable development that entails organizational capacity building, gender equity, economic viability and protection of natural resources. The project begins with a market feasibility study to identify which products might profitably, sustainably and ethically be traded. Next, the community-based membership of both organizations will be consulted to decide which structures (e.g. cooperatives, partnerships, corporations) would best maximize farmers' participation. A trademark and promotional campaign will be developed to alert customers to the equitable principles and sustainable practices used in the production and marketing of the products.
National Farmers Union/Union de Organizaciones Campesinas Autónomas
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
For more information about this grant, please contact the CEC Secretariat.
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Canada 
Mexico 
